Application of Doppler ultrasound to blood pressure measurement in small infants

Abstract

An automatic instrument which can transmit and detect ultrasound waves has been used to measure blood pressure in 28 infants weighing from 4.5 to 11 pounds. Results were in close agreement with values simultaneously obtained by direct intra-aortic measurement. In the majority of patients, the mean systolic pressure obtained by the ultrasonic technique was 2.48 mm. Hg below the aortic value; mean diastolic pressure was recorded at 3.32 mm. Hg higher. A range of accuracy for a 4×9 cm. cuff has been determined. © 1972 The C. V. Mosby Company.